Growing up in poverty with unconventional parents is a central theme of Jeannette Walls' memoir, The Glass Castle. Walls' parents, Rose Mary and Rex, were unique individuals who had a disdain for traditional societal norms. They were constantly on the move, living in various towns across America, often squatting in abandoned buildings or living in a rundown house with no electricity or running water.

Despite the challenges of living in poverty, Walls' parents taught her and her siblings valuable lessons about survival, creativity, and independence. Walls recounts how her mother taught her to read at an early age, and how her father instilled in her a love of science and engineering. Walls' parents were also artistic and encouraged their children to express themselves creatively.

However, living in poverty also had its drawbacks. Walls and her siblings often went without food, and they had to resort to scavenging, stealing, and dumpster diving to survive. The lack of stability in their parents' lives also meant that Walls and her siblings were frequently uprooted and had to start over in new schools and new environments.

Despite the challenges of growing up in poverty with unconventional parents, Walls' memoir is ultimately a story of resilience and perseverance. Walls and her siblings were able to overcome their difficult upbringing and become successful adults.